News channels mysteriously go off-air in parts of Karachi

Areas cable operators are facing problems include Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Clifton, Nazimabad, Malir, Defence among others

KARACHI: The transmission of some news channels, including Express News, went off air in some areas of Karachi after cable operators received 'mysterious threats' over the phone.

Reports pouring in suggest that the areas where cable operators are facing this problem include Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Delhi colony, Federal B Area, Clifton, North Nazimabad, Korangi, Saddar, Malir and Defence.

“We have been facing this problem since late last night after we received threats over the phone to shut down certain news channels or face dire consequence,” a cable operator in Gulshan-e-Iqbal told The Express Tribune.

The operator did not disclose the name of the phone caller.

Cable Operators Association President Khalid Arain told The Express Tribune that activists of a certain political party have threatened cable operators, who have no other option, but to suspend the transmission of these new channels.

“We have had bad experiences before. The activists of the party think that these channels have not given coverage to a particular event. They will set our electronic system on fire if we resist,” he said, adding that the government needs to provide security to cable operators.

“We have talked to higher authorities. I think the issue will be resolved within a few hours,” he said.

Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has appealed all the cable operators in the city to continue the transmission of these channels.

“We will be providing protection to all cable operators and take action against the suspects,” he said, adding that government will not let any party or criminal suspend news transmission in the metropolitan.